In a statement released on the Twitter account the women said their aim was to highlight the “ordinariness of the situation” and bring to light the journey 12 Irish women make daily.

“We had to travel because our government insists that we pretend this isn’t happening.

“We defy the Irish government to ignore us and we defy our Taoiseach Enda Kenny to avoid this conversation. We have done this to bring to light the reality of the journey to our sisters, mothers, brothers, fathers, friends, colleagues, and total strangers.

“All of them have shown more empathy support and acceptance than our own government.”

The women have not received a response from the Taoiseach and their journey been the subject of global media attention. They have been the recipients of supportive messages from around the world, including a comment from TV presenter James Corden.

"Today, @TwoWomenTravel but you're not on your own in this. So many people are with you," he wrote.

Today, @TwoWomenTravel but you're not on your own in this. So many people are with you. X